Threading device for a mesh style equipment vest

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention is a threader for use with various modular tactical vest systems. The particular modular vest systems have a weaving interface with attachable storage modules. A strap on a module is attached to the threader and the threader is woven through the support web on the vest. As the threader is pulled through the support web, the module is secured to the vest. Two embodiments for attaching the strap to the threader are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 10/906,287, filed Feb. 11, 2005.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of threading devices and more specifically relates to a threading device utilized to secure storage modules to a tactical vest or other carrying system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of tactical vest systems in the current market. Some of these vests are modular and have a weaving interface with various storage modules attachable to the vest. The Pocket Attachment Ladder System, or PALs, consists of a regular pattern of straps that are parallel, equally spaced from one another and bar-tacked at 1.5 in. intervals to form a support web in the shape of a grid pattern of loops. With the PALs system, a strap attached to the storage module is threaded through a both a support web on the vest and on the module, then secured, usually with a snap closure, so that the module is held in place on the vest. The strap is then secured to prevent loosening of the strap. In so doing, these vests provide a modular tactical storage system wherein the modules are locatable on any part of the wearer's body and in any position the wearer desires. These vests, however, have one typical drawback, it is not easy to thread the module's strap through the web. What is needed, therefore, is a way to make the threading easier, either by redesigning the strap and/or the webbing or supplying a tool for use in the threading of the modules.

Threading devices are known in the prior art. However none known to the inventor have a retention device adaptable for the attachment devices used with the current vests in the market and none have sufficient length or durability for threading through the mesh construction of the vests.

In this respect, the threader according to the present invention departs substantially from the usual designs in the prior art. In doing so, this invention provides a threader usable with current mesh style modular vests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of threader, this invention provides an improved threading device in particular design to be used with mesh style modular vest and other carrying systems. These systems typically comprise an interlocking weave of materials such as cloth, plastic, or metal. As such, the present invention's general purpose is to provide a new and improved threader that will be readily adaptable to various types of modular vest attachment systems and will be of sufficient length and durability for use in the same.

The construction of the threader is a simple design, starting with a thing strip of flexible, yet durable material, such as plastic or metal, having a bulbous end. The opposite end may have one of two preferred retention structures. The first is a retention button, designed to directly interface with a snap-style attachment on a module's strap. The structure of the retention end should be such that the retention structure is contained within a sleeve in a handle of the strip, thereby reducing interference of the strap with the mesh while threading. An alternate structure is a simple ridge design within the sleeve. The material, being flexible, is ideally deformable and resilient enough for insertion between and through the ridge structure and for removal of the same while simultaneously maintaining capability to hold the strap.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the threader according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the threader of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the threader of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the threader is herein described. With reference to FIGS. 1-5, pointed tip 1 allows for the thin threader strap 6 to be easily aligned in a PALs loop. A textured portion 2 on the bulbous head 3 offers the user an ergonomic control surface in which to pull on the device. Two holes 4, 5 are placed on the head to facilitate the retrofitting of para-cord, string, thin cable or wire in order to increase the effective device length or to allow for additional force to be applied during operation. The rear hole 5 is tear-drop shaped to improve the stress flow in the transition between the head 3 and the strap 6. The entire head width permits storage of the device by interfacing with the tab 10 in the harness area.

The long strap 6 portion is flexible permitting the user to bend the device in threading operations. The transition zone 7 is streamlined to allow smooth passage of the device as it slides past the PALs loops. The curved ribs 8 decrease weight and material and have a curvature which maintains the outer wall profile and ensures maximum smoothness.

The harness area in the rear consists of a tab 10 and a cradle 9 and is the interface for the pouch strap. In order for the pouch strap to be inserted, the tab is designed to deflect enough to allow passage of the button head. The tab 10 is keyed in such a way as to allow the button head to drop into place after insertion and then consequently lock as the strap is pulled rearward. The keyed portion is formed to progressively wedge the button head into place in two directions. The front of the tab 10 is egg-shaped and has rounded edge cuts for improved stress flow in this region. The cradle 9 has a U shaped cross-section to protect and guide the strap. The U channel restricts the strap from binding during the threading process. An oval cut in the cradle 9 to leave clearance for the top of the button.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. 

1. A threading device for a mesh tactical vest system, the threading device comprising: a thin strip of flexible material, having a bulbous fore end and a hind end; a receiving cradle positioned in the hind end, said cradle further comprising two cradle walls joined to form a U-shaped cross-section with an opening towards the hind end of the device and at least one dual-purpose clearance and locking notch; and a deflection tab proximate the opening of the receiving cradle wherein a strap with a fastening means and attached to a vest storage module is attached to the threading device's retention means and the strip is woven through a mesh holding system on the vest, thus securing the strap and associated storage module to the vest whereby the attachment means is removed from the retention means and is utilized to complete attachment of the storage module.
 2. The threading device of claim 1, further comprising a handle, tapered out from the thin strip and encompassing the receiving cradle and deflection tab.
 3. The threading device of claim 2, the handle further comprising a plurality of curved, reinforcing ribs.
 4. The threading device of claim 3, wherein the threader is manufactured from a material selected from the group of materials consisting of: plastic, fiberglass, resin, paper, cardboard and metal.
 5. The threading device of claim 1, the bulbous head further comprising at least one auxiliary attachment hole.
 6. The threading device of claim 5, the bulbous head further comprising texturing to increase grasping friction.
 7. The threading device of claim 6, further comprising a handle, tapered out from the thin strip and encompassing the receiving cradle and deflection tab.
 8. The threading device of claim 7, the handle further comprising a plurality of curved, reinforcing ribs.
 9. The threading device of claim 8, wherein the threader is manufactured from a material selected from the group of materials consisting of: plastic, fiberglass, resin, paper, cardboard and metal.
 10. The threading device of claim 5, further comprising a handle, tapered out from the thin strip and encompassing the receiving cradle and deflection tab.
 11. The threading device of claim 10, the handle further comprising a plurality of curved, reinforcing ribs.
 12. The threading device of claim 11, wherein the threader is manufactured from a material selected from the group of materials consisting of: plastic, fiberglass, resin, paper, cardboard and metal.
 13. The threading device of claim 1, the bulbous head further comprising texturing to increase grasping friction.
 14. The threading device of claim 13, further comprising a handle, tapered out from the thin strip and encompassing the receiving cradle and deflection tab.
 15. The threading device of claim 14, the handle further comprising a plurality of curved, reinforcing ribs.
 16. The threading device of claim 15, wherein the threader is manufactured from a material selected from the group of materials consisting of: plastic, fiberglass, resin, paper, cardboard and metal. 